CART Autocross # 10: A certain sense of security

The Connecticut Autocross and Rally Team held its tenth autocross of the season at LAZ Parking in Hartford on Sunday August 23rd. Liam Dwyer was again the event chair, and he again somehow pawned off the course design but this time to Bill Evans. Bill lead out a course that looked like a W if looked at from above. The course made a hard right at the start then made a 180 degree left to weave back into the center of the lot. It made a 180 deg right that brought you out to the right side and then swept left up through the top of the lot. You gave up speed early to make a tight left that tightened up at the end before sprinting to the finish. Time was lost by pushing the car too hard. The key was patience, giving it up early and applying steady throttle. The left hander before the finish had many people going sideways trying to make up time and putting the power down too early A total of 6 runs were had by all drivers and fun runs were had also. The weather held out nicely for us but the police did not. An uninformed Hartford Police Officer stopped by to see what was going on. The officer was concerned about the safety of the event. A brief discussion was had with him, his supervisors, Liam, Paul Omichinski and Bob Doiron. They were assured of our experience in holding autocrosses, and invited to compete. The officer was nice enough to give Bob a call the next day and let him know we are approved to run there. On to the racing…!!

Jared Doran was quickest in A stock leaving John Williamson to not finish in the top spot yet again. Williamson’s quickest run was almost seven tenths off Doran’s pace. Tom Mak brought out his new RX8 for the second time and lead the way in B stock beating Liam in his 350. Will Mak hold onto the car for next year and battle Liam for the class jacket? After an off week, Charlie Aucion returned to the top of the podium in C stock, this time beating Gary Frankel in his Fiero. In G stock, Matt Cummings took the week off and let Brad Snow and John Westerman battle it out. Snow took the class win, but not without a fight. Westerman was just .053 seconds behind him and just six tenths back was Matt Dwyer in his Sentra.

BSP was once again lead by Jim Matons. His son Claude Matons was second just one tenth behind. FSP saw the usual top two, Joe Rathbun first, Matt Skibisky second. I don’t think this needs to be printed anymore, from now on I’ll mention class FSP and you can assume Rathbun was on top.

C prepared is the same thing, Ray Covino wins, Marc Boerma finishes behind him. Boermas Mustang just doesn’t have the stick Covino’s rally inspired XR4 has in the corners. Gregg Cullen had a class to run finally, he seized the opportunity and took home the most points (in DP) he’s taken home all season. Dewey Tsang was second. Joerg Bode showed remarkable consistency in taking home the FP win over, (you should already know), Bob “not quite Mario” Doiron.

In A mod, Mr. Sean Colsen earned the class win, piloting his lightening fast Legends car to a ridiculously fast time. Not only did he take the class win, but he also earned FTD honors. Paul O co drove the Legends and finished second. Justin Lau made his first appearance in over a year and lead the way in STA. His Sti also had FTD for some of the day, that was until the sun came out and warmed up the r compounds. Nick Fandacone was again on top of SMA with Justin Baltrucki just a few ticks back. Nick is trying to break in his new tires, can they hold up for the season and allow him to go undefeated?

Tim Brodeur was the winner in XN with his Toyota Celica. Marty Halpin was just behind in second place. George Tsionis earned the glass trophy in YN with his M3. Steven West finished second in his Porsche. Mark Cassidy beat fellow Subaru driver, Andy Rianhard for the ZN win.

Our next event is Friday August 28th at Pocono North. Our next autocross is Sept 13th in LAZ. Thank you all for coming out.